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| Wes Saunders' Life After Outlast: The Contestant Who Refused to Play It Safe. (Netflix) |
When Wes Saunders stepped into Netflix's Outlast: The Jungle, he quickly established himself as one of the competitors viewers either admired or questioned, sometimes both within the same episode. The former professional football player approached the competition with a straightforward philosophy: survive first, worry about popularity later. While some contestants focused on keeping everyone happy, Wes focused on keeping Team Charlie alive in the game. Years after filming, fans are still wondering what happened to him and where life has taken him since leaving the jungle behind.
Throughout the season, Wes Saunders emerged as one of Team Charlie's strongest physical competitors. Given an early advantage with shelter already in place, the team appeared well-positioned from the start, and Wes believed he had found reliable allies in Braxton Fish and Brett Johnson.
However, survival television rarely follows a peaceful script for very long. Tensions developed between Wes and teammate Sarah Awad, with differing opinions about leadership and team dynamics eventually creating a divide.
In the end, Sarah's departure strengthened Wes' influence within the camp and reinforced his role as one of Team Charlie's key decision-makers.
As challenges intensified, Team Charlie secured several important victories, with Wes contributing heavily to their success. Yet one of the season's most memorable moments arrived when Leiya Pillitteri secretly left camp and took valuable supplies with her before joining another team.
The move stunned viewers and left Team Charlie scrambling. Wes later admitted feeling frustrated by what happened, particularly because the incident occurred while he was asleep. It was a reminder that in Outlast, losing a kayak can sometimes feel more dramatic than losing a challenge.
Away from reality television, Wes Saunders already had an impressive sporting background. Raised in Gary, Indiana, before attending school in North Carolina, he developed into a talented athlete and eventually played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
His performances earned recognition across the SEC, and many expected him to transition successfully into professional football.
Although he was not selected in the NFL Draft, Wes signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later spent time with the Indianapolis Colts.
He also had a stint with the Birmingham Iron. While his professional career featured ups and downs, it provided valuable lessons that would later shape his outlook on resilience and personal growth.
Following his football career, Wes entered a completely different chapter. Rather than remaining within the sports world, he shifted his focus towards wellness, coaching and entrepreneurship.
He launched Wes Joose, an organic superfood supplement company, alongside Win with Wes, a coaching platform dedicated to helping people improve their physical and mental wellbeing. The transition was not always smooth, but it became a turning point in his life.
Speaking about that period, Wes has often highlighted the importance of self-discovery and personal development. "Sometimes your greatest setback becomes your greatest opportunity," he has said in various wellness discussions.
He has also encouraged others to focus on long-term wellbeing rather than quick fixes, adding that "real transformation starts from within." Those messages have become central to his public work and personal brand.
Today, Wes Saunders is known as much for his wellness advocacy as for his football and reality television appearances. He regularly promotes meditation, breathwork and holistic health practices while working with organisations and clients across multiple industries.
His projects have involved collaborations with major brands and community initiatives designed to make wellness resources more accessible. Away from business, family remains at the centre of Wes' life.
Wes Saunders frequently shares moments with his son, Bash Saunders, whether they are spending time outdoors, enjoying family adventures or simply making memories together.
He is also in a relationship with artist Miria Joy, whose support he has openly appreciated over the years. Looking back at both the highs and challenges of his journey, Wes Saunders has repeatedly credited those closest to him for helping him stay focused on what truly matters.
Fan reactions to Wes remain as divided as they were during Outlast: The Jungle. Some viewers praise his strategic mindset and willingness to make difficult decisions when the stakes were high.
Others still debate whether some of his moves crossed the line between leadership and control. Yet even critics often acknowledge that he was one of the season's most memorable contestants. In the world of reality television, being unforgettable is often half the battle.
For many viewers, Wes Saunders represents one of the more fascinating post-show success stories. He entered Outlast as a former athlete determined to win, and he emerged as a contestant who sparked discussion long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Whether you supported Team Charlie from day one or found yourself shouting at the television whenever Wes made another bold decision, his journey continues to attract attention.
What do you think of Wes Saunders' transformation from football player and survival competitor to wellness entrepreneur? Was he one of Outlast: The Jungle's strongest players, or one of its most controversial?